Following national coverage of Novo Nordisk’s newly approved oral form of Wegovy, Dr. Michael Kaplan, Medical Director of Long Island Weight Loss Institute (LIWLI), was cited for his clinical perspective on how expanding GLP-1 treatment options may impact patients living with obesity and related health concerns.
The announcement, which detailed the FDA approval and broad availability of the first oral GLP-1 medication for weight loss, highlighted growing recognition of obesity as a chronic, biologically driven disease. Dr. Kaplan’s comments emphasized that GLP-1 therapies address underlying metabolic and hormonal signals rather than relying on willpower-based approaches.
“Obesity is not simply about calories or discipline. It is driven by complex biological signals that regulate hunger, metabolism, and inflammation,” Dr. Kaplan explained in the article. “GLP-1 medications work by addressing those signals. Whether delivered by injection or tablet, the mechanism is about restoring balance, not forcing weight loss.”
In addition to weight reduction, the article explored how medically supervised weight loss may support broader health improvements, including joint comfort and mobility. Dr. Kaplan noted that sustained weight loss often reduces mechanical stress on weight-bearing joints while also lowering inflammation associated with excess body weight.
“When patients lose significant weight, we often see improvements in knee pain, hip discomfort, and overall mobility,” Dr. Kaplan said. “This is not because these medications treat arthritis directly, but because reducing body weight reduces the physical and inflammatory burden placed on the joints.”
Dr. Kaplan also underscored the importance of physician oversight as GLP-1 therapies become more widely available through pharmacies and telehealth platforms.
“These medications are powerful tools, but they are not casual treatments,” he said. “Appropriate screening, dosing, and long-term monitoring are essential to ensure both safety and meaningful health outcomes.”
The full article discussing the approval of the Wegovy pill and Dr. Kaplan’s commentary on GLP-1–supported weight loss, mobility, and joint health can be read in national coverage of the newly approved oral Wegovy pill.
At LIWLI, GLP-1 medications are prescribed as part of a comprehensive, medically supervised weight loss program that prioritizes patient safety, individualized care, and sustainable health improvements.